Issue Two: Amplifying Workers’ Voices in an Evolving Economy
About this issue
We connect with innovative and hardworking New Englanders to get a first-hand look at the power of worker voice in our region. Hear from those who are lifting up their voices to bolster high-quality careers; fuel competitive, employee-focused companies; and spark policy responses to make work more equitable, productive, and rewarding in New England.
What is Worker Voice?
Invested provides an introduction to worker voice and sits down for a conversation with three researchers on changes in the forms and methods of worker representation, what worker voice looks like, and why it matters now.
Representation
Invested speaks with a legal expert, an economist, and union representatives about labor unions, the traditional form of worker voice, and goes on site with union lobstermen in Vinalhaven, ME, to check out a twist on the traditional union structure.
Empowerment
Invested discusses representation alternatives for nonunion workers with two organizers, two innovators, and two domestic worker-leaders, and heads to Milford, NH, to talk with workers at Cirtronics, an employee-centered contract manufacturer.
Engagement
Invested explores forms of employee ownership and profit sharing with a topic expert, speaks with employee owners at Cape Air in Hyannis, MA, and learns how improved employee engagement benefits companies, workers, and local economies in Rhode Island.
Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations
How can workers, organizers, union representatives, business leaders, and policymakers best embrace and lift up worker voice in its many evolving forms? Invested summarizes what we've learned in this issue's conversations.